As a new teacher, it is important to have a clear teaching philosophy to guide classroom practice. My main goal for student learning is to teach students how to think like a scientist- by questioning everything, collecting data of their own, and coming to meaningful conclusions. My teaching methods support a safe learning environment and atmosphere of respect with differentiated learning to engage all types of learners in an inclusive classroom setting. My classroom will foster progress, students will be allowed to revise work, and I will have an open door for communication. My teaching philosophy is that all students are capable of learning and deserve the opportunity to reach their personal and educational potential. All students deserve to be treated fairly, which means that I will provide my students with the resources they need to learn in my classroom. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to be supportive of all learners, value diversity, and teach students how to think critically and problem solve, like a scientist.
Goals for Student Learning
Student success in science is based around the application of knowledge rather than rote memorization. In my classroom, I want to give students the opportunity to experience science for themselves by entering with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I hope to develop the curiosity and scientist that naturally exists in every student. My classroom will foster collaboration, discussion, and inward reflection. It is through talking with other students and myself, sharing ideas with the group, and looking back on how an activity went that students can develop higher order thinking skills of understanding, connecting, and synthesizing their learning. I am preparing my students for a lifetime of asking the right questions, trying out different theories, and working through problems for the best outcome. I value the type of real world learning that transcends the walls of the classroom and be applied to all subject areas.
Teaching Methods
Creating a safe learning environment is a high priority in the science classroom, as we often use materials (such as chemicals, live animals, models, etc.) that may be new and exciting to students. A safe learning environment is one that is attune to the unique needs of all learners with an atmosphere of mutual respect and care for each other and the contents of the classroom. A good teacher provides the structure for meaningful learning to develop, where students are allowed to explore and discover while collaborating with their peers. I hope to scaffold learning, which means to provide support throughout the learning process tailored to the needs of the student, which moves students progressively toward a stronger understanding and independence. Student centered lessons, where the focus of instruction is shifted from the teacher to the student, will be an integral part of the curriculum, as well as group work and class discussion. Students have a great deal to learn from each other and outside resources, rather than just listening to a teacher lecture every class. An effective teacher encourages the expansion of ideas and asks students the right questions, while providing the environment for students to be engaged in exploration and discovery in both physical and mental capacities. My teaching style combines a variety of methods, including whole class instruction, group work, partner work, and individual assignments. Course material will be rigorous but within the learning ability of the students, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS and myself move away from traditional memorization and book learning and toward student collaboration, discovery and exploration, input of technology, modeling, and student engineering practices. I hope to incorporate the NGSS style of learning where students think for themselves and discover, explore and create to make significant learning.
Measuring Student Learning
Successful teaching would lead to my students learning to think for themselves while accessing credible sources, practicing logical reasoning, and developing meaningful conclusions. I hope to provide the authentic learning and problem solving situations to foster critical thinking because that is where a lot of meaningful learning takes place. I want students to share their interests with the class and know that their input is important. My teaching philosophy centers on the growth mindset, where it is okay to be unsure of an answer as long as we are using different approaches to learn. I think students not knowing the answer is an often-overlooked springboard to further discussion. I believe developing this idea and using other classmates as “lifelines” can be a strong learning experience for all students. Reflection and revision of assignments is important so that every student can be challenged and encouraged to do their individual best. Student learning will be measured by participation both in activities and discussion, projects, lab reports, and individual assessment.
Inclusive Learning Environment
I believe the science classroom is a unique space which has the ability to reach all types of learners due to the inclusion of hands-on activities and practical applications of course material. Students often spend time working both as part of a team and individually. By diversifying learning to incorporate auditory, visual, hands-on, and spatial/organizational work, all types of learners can benefit. My classroom will encourage growth, students will be allowed to revise and resubmit work, and I will have an open door for communication with students and parents. Every student can do well in my class if they put forth an open mind, a desire to learn, and their best effort.
To conclude, my teaching philosophy embraces the uniqueness every student brings to the classroom and ensures their voices are heard. I hope my students feel that their opinions and ideas matter, they are all capable of doing well in my class, and that they learn bigger concepts rather than simply vocabulary or chemical formulas. My science class will help to shape the way students interact with the world by always asking questions and developing their own conclusions. I hope to help all students reach their fullest potential while scaffolding learning and supporting their diverse needs in order to learn science in my classroom. My long term goal is to help bring out the inquisitive, discerning scientist in every student so that they may go on to benefit the world in a meaningful way.
April 24, 2016
Chelsea Roy
As a new teacher, it is important to have a clear teaching philosophy to guide classroom practice. My main goal for student learning is to teach students how to think like a scientist- by questioning everything, collecting data of their own, and coming to meaningful conclusions. My teaching methods support a safe learning environment and atmosphere of respect with differentiated learning to engage all types of learners in an inclusive classroom setting. My classroom will foster progress, students will be allowed to revise work, and I will have an open door for communication. My teaching philosophy is that all students are capable of learning and deserve the opportunity to reach their personal and educational potential. All students deserve to be treated fairly, which means that I will provide my students with the resources they need to learn in my classroom. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to be supportive of all learners, value diversity, and teach students how to think critically and problem solve, like a scientist.
Goals for Student Learning
Student success in science is based around the application of knowledge rather than rote memorization. In my classroom, I want to give students the opportunity to experience science for themselves by entering with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I hope to develop the curiosity and scientist that naturally exists in every student. My classroom will foster collaboration, discussion, and inward reflection. It is through talking with other students and myself, sharing ideas with the group, and looking back on how an activity went that students can develop higher order thinking skills of understanding, connecting, and synthesizing their learning. I am preparing my students for a lifetime of asking the right questions, trying out different theories, and working through problems for the best outcome. I value the type of real world learning that transcends the walls of the classroom and be applied to all subject areas.
Teaching Methods
Creating a safe learning environment is a high priority in the science classroom, as we often use materials (such as chemicals, live animals, models, etc.) that may be new and exciting to students. A safe learning environment is one that is attune to the unique needs of all learners with an atmosphere of mutual respect and care for each other and the contents of the classroom. A good teacher provides the structure for meaningful learning to develop, where students are allowed to explore and discover while collaborating with their peers. I hope to scaffold learning, which means to provide support throughout the learning process tailored to the needs of the student, which moves students progressively toward a stronger understanding and independence. Student centered lessons, where the focus of instruction is shifted from the teacher to the student, will be an integral part of the curriculum, as well as group work and class discussion. Students have a great deal to learn from each other and outside resources, rather than just listening to a teacher lecture every class. An effective teacher encourages the expansion of ideas and asks students the right questions, while providing the environment for students to be engaged in exploration and discovery in both physical and mental capacities. My teaching style combines a variety of methods, including whole class instruction, group work, partner work, and individual assignments. Course material will be rigorous but within the learning ability of the students, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS and myself move away from traditional memorization and book learning and toward student collaboration, discovery and exploration, input of technology, modeling, and student engineering practices. I hope to incorporate the NGSS style of learning where students think for themselves and discover, explore and create to make significant learning.
Measuring Student Learning
Successful teaching would lead to my students learning to think for themselves while accessing credible sources, practicing logical reasoning, and developing meaningful conclusions. I hope to provide the authentic learning and problem solving situations to foster critical thinking because that is where a lot of meaningful learning takes place. I want students to share their interests with the class and know that their input is important. My teaching philosophy centers on the growth mindset, where it is okay to be unsure of an answer as long as we are using different approaches to learn. I think students not knowing the answer is an often-overlooked springboard to further discussion. I believe developing this idea and using other classmates as “lifelines” can be a strong learning experience for all students. Reflection and revision of assignments is important so that every student can be challenged and encouraged to do their individual best. Student learning will be measured by participation both in activities and discussion, projects, lab reports, and individual assessment.
Inclusive Learning Environment
I believe the science classroom is a unique space which has the ability to reach all types of learners due to the inclusion of hands-on activities and practical applications of course material. Students often spend time working both as part of a team and individually. By diversifying learning to incorporate auditory, visual, hands-on, and spatial/organizational work, all types of learners can benefit. My classroom will encourage growth, students will be allowed to revise and resubmit work, and I will have an open door for communication with students and parents. Every student can do well in my class if they put forth an open mind, a desire to learn, and their best effort.
To conclude, my teaching philosophy embraces the uniqueness every student brings to the classroom and ensures their voices are heard. I hope my students feel that their opinions and ideas matter, they are all capable of doing well in my class, and that they learn bigger concepts rather than simply vocabulary or chemical formulas. My science class will help to shape the way students interact with the world by always asking questions and developing their own conclusions. I hope to help all students reach their fullest potential while scaffolding learning and supporting their diverse needs in order to learn science in my classroom. My long term goal is to help bring out the inquisitive, discerning scientist in every student so that they may go on to benefit the world in a meaningful way.